Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake {With Cake Mix}
Quick and easy cherry dump cake recipe with cake mix, homemade with 3 simple ingredients (chocolate cake mix, butter, cherry pie filling). This cobbler style cake is so ooey gooey.
This is a family favorite for many reasons. The chocolate and cherry combo just can’t be beat in flavor, and the ooey gooey texture takes this to the next level of decadence. It is requested by all, young and old, and it is super simple to make. Don’t you love that? When a good thing doesn’t have to be hard too! If you are a fan of the “dumping” method of baking then check out this Blueberry Dump Cake {With Cake Mix} and Peach Dump Cake {With Cake Mix} too.
What is a dump cake? Is it the same as crumble or cobbler?
A dump cake is similar to a cobbler, but has a few key differences. A dump cake is known for its name in that you only need to dump ingredients into one dish to make the dessert. A cobbler is often made in two bowls because the topping is made in one bowl, and the fruit part is made separately. A dump cake is more cake-like on top, and a cobbler often has an oat based crumble on top.
Key Ingredients
- Cherry pie filling– Two 21 oz. cans are needed.
- Cake Mix– Chocolate is the perfect choice to go with cherry.
- Butter– Make sure it is melted.
How To Make Easy Cherry Dump Cake Recipe With Cake Mix?
- Spread cherry pie filling– Into an oiled pan.
- Add dry cake mix– On top of the pie filling.
- Add melted butter– On top of the dry cake mix.
- Bake– Until the top is cooked through and firm.
- Serve– Warm with ice cream. Enjoy!
Is Dump Cake Supposed to be Gooey?
Yes, it is supposed to be so ooey and gooey!
What is the biggest mistake when making this cake?
Do not mix it! Mixing the cake changes it completely, and it will not turn out right.
Why is there dry cake mix on top of my cake?
Since you do not stir this cake, you may have dry mix left on top and that is ok. When you spoon it in a plate later with that gooey cherry filling, the dry cake mix will combine with the rest of the ingredients.
Variations For 3 Ingredient Dump Cake
Use other flavors of cake mixes– Such as yellow, red velvet, or white cake mixes.
Use other pie fillings– Such as apple, blueberry, peach, or strawberry.
Add zests– Such as lemon, lime, or orange.
Add extracts– Such as almond or vanilla.
Add chocolate chips– You can add full size or mini, and dark, milk, semi-sweet or white chocolate would work. Use whatever you prefer.
Add nuts– Such as toasted and chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
Add shredded coconut– For a nice texture addition and a little sweetness. About 1/3 cup would be enough.
Make individual dump cakes– Layer ingredients in ramekins, for individual servings. The baking time will be different.
Black Forest Dump Cake Topping Ideas
- Frosting– Such as White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting, or Maraschino Cherry Frosting {Pink}.
- Ice cream– Vanilla is a classic choice, but chocolate or cherry would also be delicious.
- Frozen yogurt– Such as cherry, vanilla, or chocolate.
- Melted chocolate– Like a drizzle of milk, white, or dark chocolate, or even this Hot Fudge Sauce {Chocolate Fudge Sauce}.
- Ganache– Such as this Easy Chocolate Ganache {2 Ingredients}, or this Chocolate Ganache Frosting {2 Ingredients}.
- Whipped cream– Like this How to Make Homemade Stabilized Whipped Cream or Chocolate Whipped Cream {3 Ingredients}.
- Pudding– Such as this Homemade Vanilla Pudding {Best}, or store-bought works just as well.
Tips And Techniques For Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
I used devil’s food cake mix for richer chocolate flavor– Thus, the dark chocolate color in pictures. You can use a regular chocolate cake mix too.
How do you know cake is done baking? The juices start bubbling and the top looks set with some cracks.
Melted butter works better than adding small slices or cubes of butter on top– I have tried it both ways, and in my experience melted is better.
Use unsalted and melted butter– Because that prevents this dessert from becoming too salty. Also, don’t replace it with oil, shortening or margarine because it does not yield good results.
What size pan to use? I recommend a 13×9 inch pan for this recipe.
Spray pan with oil– Because this prevents the cake from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Storage
Make ahead instructions– You can make the whole cake ahead of time, and then reheat it when you are ready to serve it.
Refrigerate– In a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Freeze– In a freezer safe sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheat– Thaw and reheat in the microwave to enjoy again.
More cake mix desserts
- Louisiana Crunch Cake {With Cake Mix}
- Sock It To Me Cake {With Cake Mix}
- Chocolate Sheet Cake {With Cake Mix}
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake {Cake Mix}
- Easy Cherry Cake {With Cake Mix}
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake (With Cake Mix)
Ingredients
- 2 cans Cherry pie filling, 21 oz. can each
- 1 box Devil's food cake mix, Or chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup Butter, Unsalted, Melted
Instructions
- Spray a a rectangular cake pan (Dimensions: 13×9) with oil.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly in the pan.
- Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly on top of the pie filling.
- Pour melted butter as evenly as you can on top of the dry cake mix.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes until the top is cooked through and firm. There might be little bits of dry cake mix on top and that's okay. When you spoon it in a plate later with that gooey cherry filling, the dry cake mix will combine with the rest of the ingredients.
- Serve warm with ice cream and enjoy!
Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, heat in microwave and enjoy.
